The second part of the scientific name or specific epithet, macrocarpa means large seed or fruit and the bur oak produces the largest acorns (up to 2 inches in diameter) of all the oaks found in North America.

Fully mature trees can grow massive 8 – 10′ diameter trunks with a huge open crown, that can be as wide as the tree is tall.

Reaches heights of 70 – 100′ and occasionally more.

They are slow growing trees, although, when they are young they can grow more than 12 inches a year in height and grow long tap roots very quickly.